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November 12, 2016 - November 12, 2016, The Afro-American A1 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDITION

Volume 125 No. 26

JANUARY 28, 2017 - FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Inside

Baltimore

Commentary

Md. Legislative Black Caucus Agenda

• AFRO/PRT Symposium Explores Strategies for Black Businesses

By Andy-Evens Pierre

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Prince George’s Renaissance Academy Eyes Move to BCCC Campus

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• Florida Ave. Photo by Rob Roberts

Thousands of men and women gathered in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21 to protest the new administration of Donald Trump.

Grill Fights to Stay Alive

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Women Set Equity Agenda, Open Dialogue on Race berets, lined the capital during The Women’s March on Washington Jan. 21.

Several women in D.C. held signs on the jammedpacked route leading to the White House that said, “The Future is Female”, “Feminist and Proud”, “Only Weak Men Fear Strong Women” and a number had slogans to affirm their rights as women, addressing Trump, who was not present, in a critical and sometimes nasty fashion.

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com Thousands of women came from across the nation to their state capitals to express their discontent with both Donald Trump’s ascension to the presidency and what many perceive as policies designed to further disenfranchise Black women.

Hundreds of thousands of women, many donning pink

Protests Greet the 45th President

By Hamil R. Harris Special to the AFRO

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As citizens lined the streets of D.C. in protest against the election of Donald J. Trump, the 45th President’s speech tried to envision a unified country. “This moment is your moment. It belongs to you,” Trump told a predominantly White gathering of thousands. “This is your day. This is your celebration. January 17, 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became rulers of this nation again.”

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Academy Embraces Diversity with Oscar Nominations

By Kam Williams Special to the AFRO The Academy Awards embraced diversity this year, nominating seven actors of color: Denzel Washington and Viola Davis for “Fences,” Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris for “Moonlight,” Octavia Spencer for “Hidden Figures,” Ruth Negga for “Loving” and Dev Patel for “Lion.” “Moonlight,” the Golden Globe-winning Best

Viola Davis in a scene from “Fences.” Davis was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress.

David Lee/Paramount Pictures via AP

“The work of this march is to build relationships and mend the divides between our communities. It’s hard work, and it will be ongoing.

It’s an ambitious goal – one that reaches far beyond Jan. 21 – but we believe that there is no other way forward.

Only together can we march towards freedom,” organizers said in a statement released to press Jan. 16.

The Women’s March on Washington grew from

several calls by women’s groups, including Black Lives Matter, to voice concerns over President-elect Donald Trump’s fitness for the office of Commander-in-Chief, as well as challenge members of Trump’s proposed cabinet, whose actions are expected to negatively impact women.

The march was named for both the 1997 Million Women March, led by Minister Louis Farrakhan, and in tribute to the 1963 March

on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Lottie Sneed of Baltimore attended the March, following examples set by determined female family members – including her mother and grandmother – whose activism included taking part in rallies and marches to secure social equity.

“Generations of family members, including my Continued on A2

Black Caucus Members Lead Democrats on Key Committees

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com While the Republicans control both chambers of the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus has key leaders on committees that will articulate the Democratic point of view.

In the 115th session of

Congress convened Jan. 3, there are no Black chairs of committees in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate. However, there are six Blacks who serve as ranking members or lead Democrats among the 21 standing committees in the House.

U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) is the ranking Continued on A4

AFRO File Photo

U.S. Rep. John Conyers is the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.

In 1981 actor Ben Vereen performed in Blackface at the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan. The Black community was up in arms. What many missed, because the performance was cut short on television, was that Vereen was performing a subtle rebuke to Reagan.

Vereen’s career took a hit but it eventually recovered and he continued to find success.

AFRO Archived History

Inaugural Sour Grapes Ben Vereen ‘shuffles” for President Ronnie Jan. 31, 1981

By Sue Williams Afro Staff Writer The city’s black population is up in arms this week over what some have called the “despicable” performance of actor Ben

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Copyright © 2017 by the Afro-American Company

Vereen at President Reagan’s inauguration festivities.

Vereen, the popular actor who perhaps gained the nations respect for his performance of “Chicken George” in the epic television drama, “Roots,” enraged blacks Continued on A4

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The Afro-American, Afro-American, January January 28, 28, 2017 2017 -- February January 28, 3, 2017 2017

Women

Protests

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great grandmother, Mamie Lawson, who was born in 1865, participated in marches and sit-ins, standing up for me and others. I intend to stand both for myself at the Women March on Washington and stand on the memory of those who did it for me,� Sneed told the AFRO. “I have a granddaughter now and in my mind thought the world would be less harsh. The reality is that each generation must work to do make the world function as we believe it should. We have to stand for the things we believe are important.�

Sneed said it was critical in dissecting complex issues that women negotiate from a position of power and considers the March to be just that.

Historically, despite playing pivotal roles in both local social justice battles and the larger civil rights movement, Black women often found their successes overshadowed by men. In addition to fighting against racial injustices, many of these women also faced gender discrimination and sexual harassment within the movement.

Additionally, the organizations dedicated to female equality, including the National Organization for Women, often disconnected race and gender disparities, failing to acknowledge that white women often played a role, racially, in the disenfranchisement of non-white women. The resulting inability to focus on racially divergent issues facing it members – including racist housing, education, employment practices – lead to s splintering between White women and women of color in feminist arenas and the establishment of “womanist� rather than feminist work among women of color. “When we look at Rosa Parks, people often think that she was – she did that because of her civil rights, but she also did that alongside a rebellion of maids, a rebellion of working-class

women, who were tired of boarding the buses in Montgomery, the public space, and being assaulted and called out-of-their names and abused by White bus drivers,� psychologist Ruby Nell Sales told the Library of Congress in an interview about Black women’s civil rights activism. “If it had just been merely a protest about riding the bus, it might have shattered. But it went to the very heart of Black womanhood, and Black women played a major role in sustaining that movement.�

And the march was their outlet as well, voicing not only civil rights and political freedoms, but also sexual freedoms. “This is what democracy looks like,� Muriel Bowser, mayor of D.C., told the AFRO, pointing to the throngs of people on Pennsylvania Avenue. “You see people of all colors. This is a far cry from what I saw yesterday at Trump’s inauguration activities.

Everybody there looked like him.�

Even so, the Women’s March has drawn plenty of -- Lottie Sneed detractors who questioned what such an event can accomplish, especially given the diverse messages of the many, including messages on the environment, civil rights, and labor. But as March co-founder Tamika Mallory pointed out, there may be more similarities than differences among groups of women in the minds of policymakers and the President-elect. “We want to ensure that this country knows women are not happy. And when we get angry, change happens. We make things happen,� Mallory told The American Prospect. “This effort is not anti-Trump; it is pro-women. This is a continuation of a struggle women have been dealing with for a very long time. In this moment, we are connecting and being as loud as possible.�

Not only did women unite in the United States, but also across the world in cities including the Bahamas, London, Tokyo, Paris, Sydney, Berlin, Nairobi and Cape Town.

“The reality is that each generation must work to do make the world function as we believe it should. We have to stand for the things we believe are important.�

James Wright contributed to this article.

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Allen Ingraham, a native of the Bahamas, along with his wife Angelina and their children were among the hand full of Black families at the inaugural events. Ingraham said they voted for Trump because, “I think that he is sincere . . . I think he will get the job. Our first choice was based on biblical values. We were not trying to select a pastor or a priest we selected between the choices we had.�

John Mabayoje, an emergency room physician, and Phil Bell, 35, an Army veteran from Northern Virginia, attended the inauguration. Both men, who are Black, said they supported Trump because they believe in free enterprise.

From comedian Steve Harvey to Detroit Bishop Wayne Jackson, who offered the final benediction, the Blacks who have met with Trump have received death threats. But, at the same time, Trump supporters have hurled insults at people simply advocating that “Black Lives Matter.� “We are not enemies but brothers and sisters, “said Jackson. Then he quoted gospel singer Mehalia Jackson and the last part of a famous Civil Rights song, “Deep in my heart I do believe America we shall overcome.�

Former President Barack Obama said, in his final comments from Joint Base Andrews, “This is the pitstop in the coming story in building America . . . Yes we did and yes we can.�

More than 200 people were arrested by the Metropolitan police for participation in riot-like incidents, including bombing a limousine.

During the Congressional lunch after the swearing in, God was called on to step in and help Trump. “Lord inspire our President to perform his God appointed duties with such reverence for you that his performance will be like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, Like a rainbow after a storm,�

Senate chaplain Barry Black said during the Congressional lunch held after Trump recited the presidential pledge.

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During his speech Trump said, “There is no room for prejudice,� and paraphrased Psalms 133, “The bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.�

But on the streets outside the big brown fencing that isolated the grounds of the National Mall from the rest of the city, protests abounded and a large number of Blacks chose to stay at home.

Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and about 60 other members of Congress skipped the Trump Inauguration. Later that night, after a parade that showcased America, Trump signed a number of executive orders that included rolling back the Affordable Care Act, Housing provisions, and other Democratic initiatives.

On Jan. 23, Booker Tweeted a quote from Benjamin Franklin, “It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.�

Booker’s Twitter page reflects outward statements for all to take a stand and fight against efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and the Affordable Care Act. Thousands protested Trump throughout the rainy morning and afternoon of his inauguration. “We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity,�

Trump said. “When America is united, America is totally unstoppable . . . whether we are Black, brown or White we all bleed the red blood of patriots.�

But, his words did not resonate with most. “We are protesting the inauguration.

We don’t stand for Trump.

We don’t recognize him as a president,� Alex Griffith, a millennial from the Charleston, N.C. told the AFRO. “In general the system has already been broken. It already hasn’t worked for us. So, we’re fighting that; we’re fighting the system – the system that elected Trump. The system that allowed White supremacy to sustain itself in these borders and the system that put borders in place in the first place.� Griffith belongs to the Workers World Party, a socialist, communist party

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member of the Committee on the Judiciary while Bobby Scott (D-Va.) serves as the top Democrat on the Education & The Workforce committee. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) is the head Democrat on Financial Services committee while Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) leads his party on the Homeland Security committee. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) will again speak on behalf of Democrats on the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform while Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), will lead the loyal opposition on the Science, Space & Technology Committee.

It is in the committees that most of the legislative work gets done. Committees in both chambers consider and vote on bills but in the House, all bills having to do with government funds start in that chamber while all presidential nominations to the executive branch and the courts are the exclusive jurisdiction of the Senate.

Committee chairs in – John Bullock the House are based on seniority or length of service, and are selected by their members’ party organizations. Ranking members are picked for their positions the same way.

For example, during this session of Congress, the Democratic Policy and Steering Committee determines who the ranking members are while the House Republican Steering Committee chooses the chairmen for its committees. The only exception to this procedure is the chairman of the Rules

“As the ranking member, you will have your voice heard on legislation.

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January 28, 2017 - February 3, 2017, The Afro-American

COMMENTARY

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Md. Legislative Black Caucus Agenda Andy Pierre

The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (LBCM) has been working to improve the quality of life for millions by meeting with community leaders and proactively engaging the citizens. The first day of session, Jan. 11, the LBCM presented

a well thought out agenda.

Then on January 16th, the LBCM honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the “Beyond the Dream Unity Rally” and annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at Dr. Kings memorial tree.

Addressing the hundreds in attendance were Governor Hogan, Lt. Governor Rutherford, Senate President Miller, Speaker Busch, and WOLB talk show host Former Senator Larry Young, who was Chair of the Caucus when Dr. King’s Memorial Tree was planted – making Maryland the only state to honor Dr. King with a tree on the grounds of the State Capital.

The HBCUs Lawsuit In 2013, Judge Catherine Blake cited the wrongdoing of “unreasonable duplication” of unique programs offered at Traditionally Black Institutions (TBI) by Traditionally White Institutions (TWI). Whether a matter of malice or aloofness, the copycatting and the unequal distribution of resources prevented the TBI’s from desegregating as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The State and the HBCUs are supposed to negotiate a settlement in good faith but the State has refused to do so, forcing this ongoing mediation on a fair and equitable settlement presided by Judge Blake. The LBCM will support the recommendations of the Federal Court.

The Medical Cannabis Industry Less than 1% of the sixty cannabis grower licenses issued nationwide are to qualified Blackowned companies. In Maryland the Cannabis Commission, composed of 14 White members and 1 Black member, intend to obstruct qualified Black companies from being licensed as growers and processors. It’s like they expect minorities to be happy with the scraps they toss out the back door. This Commission, appointed by former Governor O’Malley, does not reflect the state, has no oversight, and was never established to be a regulatory commission. Simply put, they have gone rogue. Senator Joan Carter Conway and Delegate Cheryl Glenn are filling emergency legislation to disband the current Commission and reorganize it with members who reflect the diversity of the state.

Prescription Drug Prices The skyrocketing cost of life-saving prescription medication is inexcusable and must be reined in. The LBCM will be fighting for common sense legislation to require major drug companies to be transparent by requiring them them to disclose the basis of price increase and to give prior notice to consumers. Additionally, we want to empower the Attorney General to take legal actions against drug companies to prevent price gouging.

Bail Reform The cash bail system doesn’t make the streets safer, since dangerous offenders can buy their freedom and resume terrorizing the community. Meanwhile, a non-violent offender without means is incarcerated until his/her court date which may lead to job loss. This system doesn’t work, has never worked, and will never work. The LCBM is working to end to the pay-or-stay practice of the correctional system.

Baltimore City Public Schools The LBCM is supporting the priority of Mayor Catherine Pugh in her aim to have the sole authority to appoint all members of the School Board.

Ban Pre-K Suspensions Suspending a four-year-old adversely affects their intellectual, emotional, and social development. Additionally, it causes an undue financial strain on working parents by forcing them to either take a day off or pay for childcare. The LBCM is seeking to ban Pre-K suspensions. It is counter to the mission of the Department of Education and delays intellectual development at a critical age.

“This united Black Caucus is more than just a show of force,” said Black Caucus Chair Delegate Glenn. “It is a promise to those who voted for us – a promise that we will fight harder than ever to protect equal access to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for African Americans in the State of Maryland.”

The LBCM meets every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the House Office Building, Room 300 6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401. All meetings are open to the public.

Andy Pierre is the Executive Director of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.

The Coalition Speaks The Coalition of 100 Black Women is a national advocacy organization and the display and spirit of advocacy reached an uncontested milestone in the post- Inaugural Women’s March on Washington. The peaceful gathering of thousands and thousands of women, men, and children from throughout this entire nation who came by planes, trains, buses, cars, whatever means possible, underscored the dignity, value, and respect women must be accorded.

Many brought their little daughters so their sights might be lifted and that they might be inspired to believe in themselves and so they, too, could one day shatter the ever present glass ceilings.

The array of speakers and entertainers sent forth poignant messages of hope and power, never denigrating anyone. The multiplicity of signs set the tone and highlighted the march’s

The Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter National Coalition of 100 Black Women

purpose. The people marched for human rights, equality, respect, support for the marginalized, peace, unity, fair and positive policies and laws, and for respectable recognition of women’s place in this democratic society. It was equally rewarding to know that there were rallies for women in many states and on every continent.

It was as though a great family had gathered, regardless of color, ethnicity, gender, wealth or status, all greeted each other with smiles and inviting tones. Even if the tremendous crowd caused one to accidentally step on a toe or inadvertently bump into the one standing nearby, the response was filled with care.

The binding thread of the day affirmed the call for action and unity. One woman’s small idea for a march was picked up by a host of others and it lets us know the voice of one can make a difference.

All must take the first step and let our representatives know our concerns. The voice of the people is a democratic right and expectation. The momentum generated from this unprecedented march must not fizzle.

Women, the power is in our collective power; the power is in unity of purpose; the power is in willingness to do just one thing to make our city, our environments a better place for everyone.

Mentor a young girl, thank a legislator who has acted in a manner that has affected the good for many, put aside the negativity and join hands for a goal, and just show love.

Collectively, counteract bullying and bigotry and we will make a difference. The momentum of the Women’s March on Washington will not die because we will carry on its tenets in our daily lives. Black women must always continue to march in the steps of Sojourner and Harriet.

The mission of the Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter National Coalition of 100 Black Women is to advocate on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.

The Earth Needs You to Re-Connect and they are a legal force in protecting wildlife, local, and rural communities, and frontline fighters for clean energy and healthy climates.

There are simple ways you can join the environmental community working to tackle climate change; from taking personal actions that limits your personal use of greenhouse gas emissions to the way you recycle and the way you vote by signing environmental petitions that speak directly to your elected officials.

The following list is certainly not comprehensive, but it serves as a springboard for kids, seniors, and middle-aged folks who want to get involved in protecting, preserving, and sustaining the environment.

SierraClub.org The Sierra Club was founded in 1892 and is the largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.

In March of 2016, the Sierra Club elected their first African American president, Aaron Mair, an epidemiological specialist.

The organization has over 1.3 million members and is very powerful at making environmental changes in government and corporate America policies.

EarthJustice.org Earth Justice is an organization of environmental lawyers

Environmental Organizations for Kids Enableeducation.com has compiled a list of 10 environmental organizations that provides insight, resources, and learning opportunities for consciously-aware budding environmentalist. Visit: enableeducation.com/10environmental-organizations-for-kids.

Volunteermatch.org Volunteermatch.org is a website for volunteers looking for opportunities to lend a hand. On this site, you can choose the environment in the search tab, and search for what’s available in your state. Opportunities for environmental volunteers range from tree plantings to lobbying efforts.

National AudubonSociety.org The mission of the Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems. Their focus is preserving birds and other wildlife and their natural habitats. The Audubon Society also provides local after-school and summer camp curriculums at little to no cost and youth environmental activities throughout the year in urban and rural communities.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation (cbf.org) The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is an independent conservation organization dedicated to saving the Bay. The Bay is comprised of six states: Delaware, Maryland, New

York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia and includes a 64,000 square-mile watershed, which is home to more than 17 million people and 3,000 species of plants and animals.

350.org 350.org offers the opportunity to join online campaigns, grassroots organizing and mass public actions coordinated by a global network active in over 188 countries.

Alliance for Climate Education (acespace.org) Alliance of Climate Education teaches young people about climate change issues and how to take control of their future.

ACE invites over 1.8 million students from thousands of schools across our nation to an environmental climate change assembly each year. Students can apply to be part of the network or apply for fellowships.

These organizations offer easy ways that you as an individual can advocate for your personal and local environment movement.

Cathy Allen is an award-winning Urban Environmentalist, the co-creator of G.R.A.S.S. (Growing Resources After Sowing Seed) as well as Chair of the “Grow-It Eat It” campaign.

G.R.A.S.S. is an environmental entrepreneurial nonprofit program based on the fundamentals of gardening, agriculture and ecology. In conjunction with Baltimore City Public Schools, Allen’s campaign has planted over a half-million trees on the lawns of Baltimore City public schools.

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The Afro-American, January 28, 2017 - February 3, 2017

January 28, 2017 - January 28, 2017, The Afro-American

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Oscars Continued from A1 Drama about growing up gay in the ‹hood, landed 8 nominations in all, including Barry Jenkins› for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

After winning a record number of Golden Globes, it›s no surprise that La La Land might garner a record-tying 14 Oscar nominations. Damien Chazelle›s enchanting homage to the Hollywood musical is up for Academy Awards in the Best Picture, Director, Lead Actor (Ryan Gosling), Lead Actress (Emma Stone), Song, Original Screenplay, Original Score and other categories.

Director Ava DuVernay, overlooked by Oscar for “Selma” a year ago, was recognized this time around in the Best Documentary category for “13th.”” While perennial nominee Meryl Streep made history with her 20th nomination for “Florence Foster Jenkins.”

The Academy Awards are set to air live on ABC-TV on Feb. 26 at 8:30 p.m. ET. The show will be staged at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

List of Academy Award Nominations Best Picture “Arrival” “Fences” “Hacksaw Ridge” “Hell or High Water” “Hidden Figures” “La La Land” “Lion” “Manchester by the Sea” “Moonlight” Lead Actor Casey Affleck, “Manchester by the Sea” Andrew Garfield, “Hacksaw Ridge” Ryan Gosling, “La La Land,” Viggo Mortensen, “Captain Fantastic” Denzel Washington, “Fences” Lead Actress Isabelle Huppert, “Elle” Ruth Negga, “Loving” Natalie Portman, “Jackie” Emma Stone, “La La Land”

Meryl Streep, “Florence Foster Jenkins” Supporting Actor Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight” Jeff Bridges, “Hell or High Water” Lucas Hedges, “Manchester by the Sea” Dev Patel, “Lion” Michael Shannon, “Nocturnal Animals” Supporting Actress Viola Davis, “Fences” Naomie Harris, “Moonlight” Nicole Kidman, “Lion” Octavia Spencer, “Hidden Figures” Michelle Williams, “Manchester by the Sea” Best Director Damien Chazelle, “La La Land” Mel Gibson, “Hacksaw Ridge” Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight” Kenneth Lonergan, “Manchester by the Sea” Denis Villeneuve, “Arrival”

Caucus Continued from A2 Committee, which is selected by the speaker of the House.

In the Senate, committee chairs and ranking members are selected by party caucuses.

John Bullock, a political scientist based in Baltimore, told the AFRO that serving as a ranking member of a committee is an important responsibility. “You may not be the leader of the committee but when the balance of power changes, you could become the chairman of that committee,” said Bullock,

Vereen Continued from A1 with his impersonation of Bert Williams, the mythic black comedian of the 30s who wore blackface in his climb to heights of his Broadway career.

In its entirety, Vereen’s impersonation is quite outstanding, as he first performs as Williams must have done in his era, but finishes the act with the legendary actor leaving his act and the stage in disgust, determined not to perform within the narrowly defined limits posed for black actors of that day which kept them duty bound and in their places, so to speak, for digestion and acceptance by white audiences.

At the inauguration, however, Vereen cut his act short, leaving out resolution of the problem of being told how and what to perform. Vereen’s act was no more than a recreation of the blackface routines that blacks were forced to perform in order to survive.

The AFRO was flooded with calls the following day, from angry citizens and politicians who labeled the act “disgusting,” and demanding to know why such an act had been allowed to be. Delegate Troy Brailey called the act a “setback” to the gains made by black performers over time. And in an angry letter to the new president, Delegate Frank Conaway expressed “surprise and disgust” for the performance.

a member of the Baltimore City Council as a Democrat representing District 9. “As the ranking member, you will have your voice heard on legislation. You may not be able to make any changes though, but you can make that stance.”

However, not all committee chairman-ranking member relationships need to be contentious.

Okey K. Enyia, former Senate staffer and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Health Policy Fellow, told the AFRO that a ranking members’ effectiveness depends on the relationship that the person has with the chairman of the committee. “Each committee operates differently,” he said. “If the chairman and the ranking member have a good

Conaway, in his letter to President Reagan, said that Vereen’s opening remarks were “not only an insult but also salt to the wounds of black citizens.” Demanding an apology from the president, Conaway called Vereen’s introductory remarks “stupid” in which he called segregation a blank innocuous historical event.

Conaway then asked the president if “this kind of blatant or blunder foolishness” is the type of sensitivity the public is to expect from the new administration. In a clearly warning tone, Conaway stated that if so, the new president could “forget forever about the black vote of the land.”

Upon receiving the calls of protest about Vereen’s act, the AFRO made repeated attempts to reach spokespersons from the Regan Inauguration Committee and Vereen himself. Inauguration committee members, however, were unwilling to discuss the performance, and the agent for Mr. Vereen was unavailable for comment.

One woman, who preferred to remain unnamed, said that the performance was “out of place.” “I am a white woman,” she said, “and I was embarrassed for my race when I saw that act. I don’t think the new president showed much sensitivity… and neither do I think Ben Vereen showed much common sense or pride in his performance.”

relationship, it tends to set a precedent that will filter down to the members of the committee and the committee staff.”

Contrary to popular opinion, Enyia said, many lawmakers of different parties get along well professionally. “I worked on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions on the Democratic staff under Sen. Patty Murray,” he said.

“Sen. Murray and the chairman of the committee, Sen. Lamar Alexander, got along quite well. As a result, I had the chance to help write the 21st Century Cures Act that President Obama signed into law on Dec. 16, 2016.”

The 21st Century Cures Act aims to find a cure for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and opioid addiction.

Send your news tips to tips@afro.com.

January 28, 2017 - February 3, 2017, The Afro-American

B1

BALTIMORE-AREA

Race and Politics

Resisting Trump is Patriotic In 1988, Graydon Carter, then the editor of Spy magazine and currently Vanity Fair’s Sean Yoes editor), Senior AFRO anointed Contributor Trump a, “short-fingered vulgarian.”

Trump has been tripping over size ever since (Remember his pathetic exchange with “little” Marco Rubio during the Republican primaries?).

In the days leading up to his inauguration, Trump allegedly boasted about his belief his inauguration crowd would be the biggest in history, surpassing the 2 million people who came out to witness the first inauguration of Barack Obama. To the contrary, side by side photographs comparing Obama’s 2009 inauguration to Trump’s, empirically demonstrate the 45th president’s inauguration crowd wasn’t even half of Obama’s. I suspect this real fact, versus the “alternative facts,” being promulgated rather hysterically by Sean Spicer, Trump’s spokesperson, is driving the 45th president even further off the deep end into a delusional abyss.

So, can you imagine the impact on Trump’s infamously frail ego and gossamer skin, the sight of millions of people across the nation and around the globe marching in protest against the Trump presidency one day after his inauguration?

Continued on B2

AFRO/PRT Symposium Explores Strategies for Black Businesses Thriving and Progressing in the New Trump Age

Baltimore Community Officers Reassigned to Patrol

By Briahnna Brown Special to the AFRO

Photo by James Fields

PRT President Robert Wallace offered a preview of the business environment under President Donald Trump. See more photos from the event on B4.

By James Bentley AFRO Associate Editor jbentley@afro.com The President’s RoundTable (PRT), an organization of Black CEOs, joined the AFRO American Newspapers for a Jan. 19 symposium at the Earl Graves Business School of Morgan State University focused on Black business in the age of Trump.

Titled “Where Do We Go from Here? Strategies for Thriving Economically Under a Trump Administration,” the symposium was opened by Robert L. Wallace, PRT Chairman and president of BITHGROUP Technologies who introduced Jake Oliver, AFRO CEO and publisher. Oliver offered greetings and a reminder of the struggles Black people have faced and the resilience they have shown in the face of a plethora of injustices over the decades. “… I am excited about the possibilities of everyone being able to begin to develop their own business’ agenda for purposes of …[becoming] stronger,” Oliver said. “We are not going to let this guy knock us down, we are going to win this and he is going to recognize our voice and if nothing else he is going to respect us.” Oliver added that the AFRO’s role will be to foster alliances in the Black community, saying, “We have a role to

provide the cohesiveness so that it will make our … community stronger.”

The symposium was broken up into three segments. The first was an overview of the upcoming political landscape provided by Maryland’s senior democratic Senator, Ben Cardin.

The senator didn’t mince words when he told those gathered in attendance that tough fights were ahead.

“I must tell you the political report is not good, I am very worried about what has happened,” Cardin said. “I say that because I just came from confirmation hearings.”

“Mr. Trump will become President of the United States at noon tomorrow,” he added. “We all want him to succeed because we want our country to succeed and we will help when he moves in the right direction. But when he does things that are not in keeping with the values of America, when he does things that are just wrong – Ben Cardin I can assure you that we are going to speak out and act out and do everything we can to protect the progress that we’ve made in this country. That’s a commitment from your political team.”

The second segment of the evening’s symposium was an overview of the upcoming business landscape, provided by PRT chairman Wallace. Wallace’s outlook was one of hope and his message focused on “positioning,” “pivoting” and the

“… I can assure you that we are going to speak out and act out and do everything we can to protect the progress that we’ve made in this country.”

Continued on B2

Sharon Virginia Murphy Smith

– Councilman Brandon Scott

transferred to meet this need, BPD Chief of Staff Andrew Vetter said in a letter to city council.

“It’s a bittersweet thing,” Councilman Brandon Scott, chair of the public safety committee, said. “I’ve heard the cry from my citizens and people across the city about the need for more patrol officers.

At the same time, I’ve also

Continued on B2

By Deborah Bailey Special to the AFRO

(1942-2017)

Being a positive influence and leaving others better for having known you are the qualities of a special individual.

Sharon Virginia Murphy Smith was this kind of person.

Her death, just prior to her 75th birthday, takes a bit of goodness and joy from the world. She influenced lives wherever she lived and had a positive impact on children, their parents, and their communities. Sharon will be missed by many, all over the world.

Sharon was born on Jan. 28, 1942 to Alice and John Murphy III, former publisher and CEO of the AFROAmerican Newspapers. Sharon is a great grand-daughter of John H. Murphy Sr., the founder of the AFRO-American Newspapers. She attended public schools in Baltimore and Catonsville, Md., graduating from Western High School in 1959. She graduated from Towson State Teachers College (now Towson University) in 1963 and taught for a few years in the Baltimore City School System.

While in Baltimore, Sharon was a devoted member of Saint James Episcopal Church, singing on the Junior Choir.

Sharon relocated to San Francisco, Calif. and later Oakland, Calif. where she continued her teaching career. While in the Bay Area, she earned the designation of master teacher.

Sharon married William D. Smith (Bill) of WinstonSalem N.C. in 1977. Together they have one son, Justin Sherwood Murphy Smith. Sharon was a strong supporter of the women’s movement and a longstanding member of the Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Oakland. She was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Sharon and Bill enjoyed the opportunity to live and

“I’ve heard the cry from my citizens and people across the city about the need for more patrol officers.”

Renaissance Academy Eyes Move to BCCC Campus

In Memoriam

By AFRO Staff

As part of the Baltimore City Police Department’s plan to address well-documented staffing issues, the department plans to reassign 114 officers to sector patrol duties in the next few weeks, as Commissioner Kevin Davis announced earlier this month.

To accomplish this, however, many officers currently assigned to the Community Collaboration Division (CCD), headed by a prominent Black police chief, Melvin Russell, will be

work outside of the U.S.A. for six years in Brazil and Chile, and traveled all over the world.

While living in Rio de Janeiro, Sharon learned some (Brazilian) Portuguese Courtesy photo and toured the Sharon Virginia Murphy Smith northern coast of Brazil. In Chile, she taught English to local children, learned to speak some Spanish, and was the editor of a monthly journal for the expatriate community.

Her most endearing experience was the five years she lived and raised her son in Duncanville, Texas. She enjoyed her family, built lasting friendships, and became involved in the local school as volunteer teacher and administrator. She was also an avid supporter of the arts and introduced her son to theater arts.

During her last few years, she spent part of her time at the family home in Panama, where visits and long vacations were enjoyed.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves to mourn, her husband, her son and daughter-in-law (Kelly Smith), her brother and sister-in-law Daniel and Bernadette Murphy, in-laws James Smith, Sharon Denise Smith, Rev.

Continued on B2

Plans are underway for West Baltimore’s Renaissance Academy High School to potentially move to the campus of Baltimore City Community College (BCCC). Angela Alvarez, Executive Director, Office of New School Initiatives for Baltimore City Public Schools, gave a brief report to the Public Schools Board members this week, announcing the cooperative effort.

“We’ve been working collaboratively with partners, particularly Baltimore City Community College and are looking at the potential of relocating Renaissance Academy to BCCC’s campus across from its main campus on Liberty Heights,” Alvarez said at the meeting on Jan. 24.

Baltimore City Community College released a statement shortly before the school board meeting, confirming the current negotiations underway to welcome Renaissance Academy.

“BCCC and BCPSS are evaluating the financial costs, academic programming and structural needs required to support a potential Renaissance Academy partnership. It is the intent of both organizations to ensure the educational experience of the Continued on B2

10

Past Seven Days

24 2017 Total

Data as of Jan. 28

B2

The Afro-American, January 28, 2017 - February 3, 2017

Race and Politics Continued from B1

While Trump ruminates over size, scores of people, many of them Black women and women of color, continue to organize and implement massive resist to his agenda. “We need to fight for real. It can’t be like the fights in the past where we allow ourselves to be nickeled and dimed and coerced and cudgeled,� said former Maryland Rep. Donna Edwards, during a conversation on, “First Edition,� January 23. Edwards, interrupted an RV trip across the country to fly back to D.C. to participate in the Women’s March on Washington and help organize locally. “I think that it is important for us to draw a very stark line, because the lines are stark for millions of people’s lives, for the rollback of healthcare, which is going to affect millions of people in this country...at the end of the day people want to know that we are prepared to fight for them,�

Edwards continued. “As we saw on Saturday with the millions of people gathered in this country and around the world, when they know we are prepared to fight for them, they’ll be prepared to fight right alongside of us,� she added.

Former Prince George’s County Delegate Aisha Braveboy was also a part of the March and the “First Edition� conversation on Jan. 23 (adding urgency to the purpose of the Women’s March, on Jan. 23, Trump signed an anti-abortion executive order, that may have far reaching consequences for women’s reproductive health access worldwide, and he signed

it surrounded by five White men). “This administration, so far has done exactly what it said it was going to do and for the most part that is not good for people of color, it’s not good for poor people, it’s not good for women,� Braveboy said.

Braveboy also announced she intends to run for Attorney General of Prince George’s County.

“We need to fight for real. It can’t be like the fights in the past where we allow ourselves to be nickeled and dimed and coerced and cudgeled.� – former Maryland Rep. Donna Edwards Valerie Ervin, senior adviser for the Working Families Party, a group that organizes politically with a focus on issues specifically impacting women and families, echoed Braveboy’s observations. “I think it’s really important for us not to get the message twisted about what happened over the weekend, and that is when people

Patrol

try to marginalize women’s issues I think that is a mistake,� Ervin said. “The march was essentially, in my opinion, about women’s issues as they relate to human rights issues and what this president is already proposing to do in this first 100 days is not just going to impact women and families, it’s going to impact the entire country and maybe even the world,� she added.

So, how do you harness the energy of millions marching in opposition to Trump worldwide and channel that energy into a movement for substantive change? “What we are saying to this country is...resistance is patriotic. And as patriots of this country we are going to do all that we can to fight against...this show of ignorance (Trump),�

Braveboy said. “It is unbelievable... that at this point in our history we have to re-litigate all of these issues that we thought our foremothers had fought for,� she added. “But... it just reminds us that we have to be forever vigilant and that our gains are very fragile and at any time someone can try to take them away from us. But, we will not be moved, we are going to continue this fight.�

Sean Yoes is a senior contributor for the AFRO, and host and executive producer of AFRO First Edition, which airs Monday through Friday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on WEAA, 88.9.

Renaissance Academy

Continued from B1

Continued from B1

heard the cry for increased and improved community relations. However, I think that [reassignments are] something that we have to do regardless of how great units are staffed.�

Scott also said that he is working with Maryland State Del. Antonio Hayes to put a community policing committee for the department into law so that “these kinds of decisions will be looked upon more broadly.�

The chief spokesman for the BPD, T.J. Smith, said that 42 of the 114 officers are coming from the CCD

because it was “well staffed,â€? and that almost every section in the agency had to sacrifice some officers. “In situations where you have a staffing shortage‌ and we continuously and virtually beg Baltimorians to put in their applications and go through the process to be Baltimore police officers, we have to think outside the box and figure out ways to fill patrol cars for when if you or a member of your family calls 911 we can assure that the officer gets to you in a timely manner,â€? Smith said.

â€œâ€Śas a main focus, we have to make sure we have officers available to back one another up and to respond to calls for service‌â€? – chief spokesman for the BPD, T.J. Smith

Courtesy photo

Officers in the Baltimore Police Department Community Collaboration Division join residents in prayer with Mothers of Murdered Sons & Daughters (MOMS).

“That’s not to say that the officers aren’t going to still be able to do community collaboration type activities; quite honestly, we want to have a police department where every officer is a community collaboration officer,� Smith continued, “but as a main focus, we have to make sure we have officers available to back one another up and to respond to calls for service throughout the city and respond to the emergency needs of the residents of Baltimore.�

Russell declined to comment, but a source close to him said that he is not happy about the reassignments and the interruption of the progress the division has made, including the participation in and coordination of 1,004 community events in 2016.

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students is one that will enhance student learning outcomes.�

Renaissance Academy families received letters and calls this week from BCPSS informing them of the proposed move. A school-based meeting to solicit community input will be scheduled for early February.

Renaissance Academy was originally scheduled for closure in the summer of 2017. The school experienced a number of problems in the previous school year that put it on the closure list in the 2015-2016 school year including a student stabbed in class and the confiscation of a loaded gun on campus.

A high level of community support for Renaissance Academy caused the Schools Board to delay formally recommending closure of the school at its December board meeting, when several other BCPSS schools were slated to close. BCPSS CEO Sonja Santileses said she listened to the input of community partners in making the decision to delay closing the school. “I took very seriously the advisement of partners in the faith community and partners at the University of Maryland about the social-emotional needs of the young people.�

The BCPSS will issue a final decision on the Renaissance Academy move to BCCC on Feb. 24. Nikkia Rowe, principal of Renaissance Academy, did not return a request for comment by press time.

Symposium Continued from B1

importance of forging alliances and partnerships as it relates to business.

Through research of his own, Wallace identified several industries where he expected growth under the new administration, among them were automotive, construction including building materials, transportation and logistics and metals and mining. He then focused on the idea of positioning one’s business to take advantage of the expected upcoming opportunities in those areas. Throughout his presentation Wallace hammered home the idea of “Follow the Money,� referring to those areas of business where President Trump allocates funds in his new budget.

The symposium culminated with a panel discussion and town hall question and answer session featuring: Wallace; Joseph Haskins, president of Harbor Bank; Sheila R. Brooks, president and CEO of SRB Communications; and Michael Cryor, president of The Cryor Group.

The panel and Q&A session were moderated by University of Maryland law professor Larry Gibson.

In Memoriam Continued from B1

Rosa York, John Patrick Smith, nephew and nieces Josh York, Dr. Brett Murphy-Dawson and Dr. Lynn Murphy-Michalopoulos, and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held Jan. 28, 2017 at Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Oakland, Calif. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Mountain Valley Hospice.

January 28, 2017 - February 3, 2017, The Afro-American

“Can’t understand why we treat each other in this way taking up time with the silly, silly games we play. We’ve got our love and no matter how it’s said or done. We are one no matter what we do. We are one love will see us through. We are one and that’s the way it is. Sometimes I feel that we try and make each other sad the things we do. How we make each other feel so bad. We’ve got so much; we could all be having so much fun. We are one from the very start we are one deep down in your heart. We are one and that’s the way it is.”-Frankie Beverly and Maze I learned three things this past week. First, we don’t have lies we have alternative facts; the difference between a riot and a protest is the participants and finally the same people that offended and insulted President Obama and his family for eight years are having a hissy fit over people’s reaction to Donald Trump. I’m remembering The Honorable Malcolm X, “The chickens have come home to roost”.

“It’s a family affair” The staff at Colin’s Restaurant arrived at Colin’s Monday night for a meeting; instead it was a surprise employee appreciation party including food and a top-shelf open bar. Restaurant manager Chris Calvi and owners Dante and Candes, toasted the staff, thanked them for a great year, and wished them success in 2017. Chris, Dante and Candes showed off their mixing skills preparing specialty drinks or the staff.

Sarah Holley’s annual event at her attractive brownstone home continues to be a sought after invitation that guarantees to be a grand time with the perfect elements for a great house party, good food, good booze and good music. Friends and family who travelled up and down the east coast to attend were Sarah’s son Howard Holley Jr. and guest Sherrain, Arthur and Vernetta Bailey, Edward and Terri Tyler, James Simmons, David and Lisa Kelly, Roxanne Williams, Sharon McGriff-Myers, Jean Durr, Ida of Ida’s Idea Boutique in D.C. and her husband Robert.

Other guests dancing the night away were, Mayor Catherine Pugh, Comptroller Joan Pratt, Susan Parker, Jesse Murphy, Marsha Jews, Trudy McNair, Patricia Tunstall, Gaines Lansey, Lafayette Carr, Patricia Roselle, Robert White, Cori Ramos, Pat Thomas, Deborah Mason, Andre and Thea, Bob Cockey, David Costow, Judy Daks, Kevin Scott and Victor Holliday. People are still raving over the scrumptious food prepared by Chef Jerome Brown assisted by sous chef Frankie. Bartender Andre kept the libations flowing as we danced the night away to the music provided by DJ Cyrus.

Guests arrived all day Saturday at Murnell Cooper’s home to celebrate her birthday. She is such a grand host, greeting family and friends with a smile that can light up a room and an anecdote

about her relationship to each one. I promised Murnell that I would not reveal her age this year as I did last year, but in five years her face will be on the Smucker’s glass, Praise the Lord Saints.

Among the guests joining the celebration and the delicious menu prepared by her granddaughter Bridgett James, were Goldie Cashiers, Vonda Reid, Los Bonnie Barber, Darlene West, Lillian and Colvin Lemely, Richard and Flora Johnson, Beverly Keys, Sara Smalley, Rosemary Atkinson, Pat Roselle, Barbara Blount Armstrong, Sterling Garners and Edith Graham. Special thanks to daughters Dr. Charlene Cooper-Boston, Myra James and grandson Michael James. Two of Murnell’s longtime friends age 92 and 94 surprised us when they revealed their age “good Black don’t crack.”

A gift of life celebration honoring Troy Lamonte Hardy’s 50th birthday was a purple and black themed party at the Horseshoe Casino. Kim Williams-Rowland and Bonita HardyHicks hosted the event. Guests joining in the celebration were Cleveland Hardy, Jimmy Hicks, godmother Deloris Williams, aunts, uncles, cousins, childhood and best friends too numerous to mention. The prominently displayed 4-foot money tree generously adorned with expressions of love in the ballroom was a huge success. Guests enjoyed the open bar and the bountiful buffet created “some enchanted evening.” Invitees received unique gift bags to commemorate the joyous occasion. The Afro extends our prayers and well wishes to Troy and the family.

“Stand! In the end you’ll still be you one that’s done all the things you set out to do Stand! There’s a cross for you to bear things to go through if you’re going anywhere Stand!

For the things you know are right it’s the truth that the truth makes them so uptight Stand!”-Sly and the Family Stone Barbara West enjoyed planning parties, trips and family gatherings, so it was not a surprise that her funeral and repast would be a social event. The repast held at Martin’s West where she volunteered as an event planner was the social event culminating a life well lived. Barbara was an amazing woman who spearheaded social changes during her career at Social Security, fighting battles and resistance to bring change in an unchanging environment. She fought her biggest battle with cancer until the end, never faltering in her faith and devotion to her family, friends and coworkers.

Family and friends joined Jannette Witmyer at MICA in the Fred Lazarus Center for a memorial celebration for her husband Tim Witmyer who died suddenly at their home. After the service where special friends Joyce Scott, Lea Gilmore, and Cash Hester,

featuring

20

sang and provided words of comfort to everyone gathered at SNAC. “Sweet sweet bitter Love.”-Aretha Franklin It was a bittersweet gathering as The Friday Night Bunch and friends gathered at Colin’s Restaurant the day President Obama left the White House to celebrate and reflect on the last eight years.

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The Afro-American, January 28, 2017 - February 3, 2017

PRT Member Jeff Hargraves

Symposium participants posing question to panel

Prof. Larry Gibson

On Jan. 19 The AFROAmerican Newspaper and the President’s Round Table (PRT) held a symposium focused on how Black businesses can thrive while Donald Trump

is president of the United States. Many Black business leaders came together to talk about strategies and guidelines for assisting the African-American and minority business communities. The symposium was moderated by Larry Gibson, professor of law, University of Maryland School of Law.Â

Robert Wallace makes a point about Trump threats

AFRO Publisher & PRT Member Jake Oliver

Senator Ben Cardin addresses the symposium

PRT Past President Shiela Brooks

PRT Member Joseph Haskins

Photos by James Fields

PRT Member Arnold Williams

Symposium participants posing question to panel Symposium Moderator Prof. Larry Gibson confering with PRT President Robert Wallace

PRT Member Donna Stevens

Symposium Panel: [L to R] Joseph Haskins, Prof. Larry Gibson, Shiela Brooks, Robert Wallace and Michael Cryor

Symposim Audience

Photos by A. Lois DeLaine

Nicole Brown, Patsy Nwagbaraocha, Lynn Middleton, Joe Ann Oatis

Gary Burgess, Karyne Allen, Aris Allen, Dr. Paulette Burgess

Donald Rainey Judy Rainey, Trena Brown, Maceo Davis

Frank Coakley, Dr. Marcia Henson Coakley, Mildred Harper, Lonnie Spruill

On Jan. 14, the men of Gamma Omicron Omega Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity hosted their 3rd Annual Black Tie Gala at the Forum Caterers in Baltimore.

Kurt L. Schmoke, president of the University of Baltimore and former Mayor of Baltimore City, was honored for his many years of working with youth.

Proceeds from the gala will go toward the pledge of $100,000 for the Gamma Omicron Omega Scholarship at Morgan State University Foundation.

Two founders of the Gamma Omicron Omega chapter were recognized, Frank A. Coakley and Lonnie Spruill Jr. The chairman of the event was Polaris Craig Spencer.

U of B President Kurt L. Schmoke receives a special tribute from the Gamma Omicron Omega Chapter, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity

Thelphs Evans, Karen Evans, Barbara Byrd, Robert Byrd

A pledge of $30,000 was presented to Cheryl Hitchcock, vice president, Morgan State University Foundation

Dr. Arthur Boone, Carolyn Cole, Judith Smith, James Smith

Dwight and Aileen Taylor

Art Lawson, Jackie Lawson, Andrea Ellard, Reggie Williams

Wallis Norman, Sonya, Norman, Tammy Clowney, William Clowney

To purchase this digital photo page contact Takiea Hinton: thinton@afro.com or 410.554.8277.

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D1

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY-AREA Trump Initiates Hiring Freeze, What’s Next?

Dorothy Height’s Spirit Triggers Message for Women and Human Rights

See ‘We Shall Not be Moved’ March photos on D3.

Jazz Lewis Replacing Vaughn as Md. Delegate

Courtesy Photo

David Grogan, federal discrimination whistleblower

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com Many Black federal government workers are anxious about their jobs in the wake of President Trump’s Jan. 23 hiring freeze on all but military, public safety and national security positions.

Retired deputy U.S. Marshal David Grogan has some advice that can help people stay employed.

Grogan worked as a supervisory criminal investigator/deputy U.S. Marshal at the District of Columbia Superior Court from September 1988 to June 2013. During his time at U.S. Marshal Service, Grogan trained deputy U.S. Marshals, oversaw fugitive investigations and courtordered seizures of narcotics, and implemented criminal investigations.

However, when Grogan felt he was passed over for promotions and spoke about it, he told the AFRO that he became a target on his job. “I blew the whistle on corruption and racism within the U.S. Marshal Service,” Grogan.

“I signed on as a plaintiff in a $300 million lawsuit on behalf of the Marshal Continued on D2

Photos by Rob Roberts

Several local leaders, as well as leaders from throughout the country, gathered in Washington D.C. to march in the Women’s March on Washington in protest of President Trump and his policies.

By Hamil R. Harris Special to the AFRO As she stood amongst hundreds of thousands of women, men and children who came to Washington D.C. on Jan. 21 to advocate for women’s rights, former D.C. First Lady Cora Masters Barry reflected on the words of a local female icon of the Civil Rights movement.

“Dr. Dorothy Height is looking down on us and smiling,” Barry said. “You can’t do a lot with one finger but with a clinched fist you can strike a mighty blow.”

Protesters display Black pride at Women’s March on Washington

Florida Ave. Grill Fights to Stay Alive

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com

One of the District’s oldest Black-owned restaurants is facing a legal challenge that could threaten its existence.

The Florida Avenue Grill, located at the corner of 11th and Florida Avenue, N.W., is fighting the possibility of being foreclosed. The present owner, Imar Hutchins, was not available for comment, but the AFRO was referred to the restaurant’s Facebook account for questions of the restaurant’s situation. .

“We are very grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from the D.C. community since the news broke that the Grill was facing foreclosure,” the statement said. “You may have heard that we were forced to sue our lender for deceptive practices aimed at forcing us into foreclosure and that the attorney general of New York is suing the same folks

for allegedly defrauding tens of thousands of people. The New York AG said of them: “We will not allow companies to hold small businesses for ransom using lies and forgery.”

The foreclosure sale was

Courtesy Photo

The Florida Avenue Grill has been in business since 1944. scheduled for Jan. 18 but the statement notes that “we were successfully able to fend off the foreclosure sale.”

Nevertheless, the statement said that the restaurant’s ownership is facing tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and are paying off their mortgage on an accelerated rate.

To help pay their legal bills and mortgage Mark Ranslem, a resident from Ward 1, organized “Friends of Florida Avenue Grill” to raise money to help the iconic restaurant. He set up a GoFundMe page for the restaurant on Jan. 15 and so far it has gotten $6,850 out of $30,000.

“I love the Grill and as the oldest continually operating Black-owned restaurant in the country, it is a pillar of the D.C. community,” Ranslem said. “D.C. has lost so much already; we can’t afford to lose the Florida Avenue Grill, too.”

The Grill was founded in 1944 by Lacey and Bertha Wilson to offer well-cooked Southern cuisine that included Continued on D2

And as women in cities across the country struck a mighty blow against President Donald Trump and conservative ideology and, according to national and local leaders, they are part of a movement and not just a march.

“We are more harshly criticized, we are more frequently criticized, and we are more wrongly criticized at every single level,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) told participants at the Women’s March on Washington. Women need “every woman and every man to speak up for us, too.”

While there were many prominent speakers from Madonna to Alicia Keys, the strongest statement came from the hundreds of thousands of women who packed the streets and the subway wearing pink caps, trumpeting vulgar signs in protest to Trump’s lewd comments about the female body.

“We are very excited that this movement has inspired so many people across the globe,” said Janaye Ingram, director of logistics for the women’s march.” We want people to harness their energy to create substantive change on local, state and federal levels.”

While observers say the march upstaged President Trumps Inauguration and shocked pundits in terms of turnout, Ingram is not a Continued on D2

Courtesy Photo

Jazz Lewis is set for the Maryland General Assembly as a 24th District delegate.

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com Jazz Lewis, a campaign professional with close ties to U.S. House of Representatives Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) was selected to be the next delegate representing District 24 in the Maryland House of Delegates recently.

On Jan. 24, the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee tapped Lewis to replace Michael Vaughn as the Democratic representative for the District 24 in the House. Lewis got 18 votes from the committee and his name will be forwarded for the formal appointment to the seat by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R).

“I look forward to representing the district in Annapolis,” Lewis told the AFRO. “I have a community organizing background and I will use that to help the people stay engaged. I know that I can work well with the rest of the District Continued on D2

Handicapped, Elderly Woman Murdered in SE Crossfire

By Briana Thomas Special to the AFRO A wheelchair bound woman and beloved member of the community was killed Jan. 16 after being caught in the crossfire of a neighborhood shooting in Southeast, D.C., police said.

According to police, Vivian Marrow, 68, was rolling her wheelchair to a nearby grocery store when she was shot on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE. The shooter struck Marrow and wounded a man with gunfire Courtesy photo around 10:16 a.m. Marrow was not the intended target, according to police.

Vivian Marrow, 68, killed during a shootout Marrow and the male victim were taken in Southeast D.C. to area hospitals where Marrow later died. “A grown man who apparently had some kind of beef or dispute with someone else felt it was okay to fire multiple shots in this neighborhood,” Interim Police Chief Peter Newsham said at a news conference on Jan. 17. “That reckless behavior has resulted in the death of a beloved community member.”

Newsham said Marrow was adored by all who knew her, and she was a mother and a grandmother.

“By all accounts the people in this community loved that woman and she’s gone unnecessarily. They are going to have to struggle with this for the rest of their lives and the person responsible for this needs to be brought into custody,” he said.

– D.C. Interim Police Chief Newsham pleaded for district residents to come

“By all accounts the people in this community loved that woman and she’s gone unnecessarily.”

Continued on D3

Peter Newsham

D2

The Afro-American, January 28, 2017 - February 3, 2017

Hiring Freeze Continued from D1

Service. An African American could rise to the level of midmanagement but when it came to senior-level management, we couldn’t get there.”

Grogan retired in 2013 and settled his portion of the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount in May of that year but not without episodes of disrespect by White supervisors, he said The federal workforce is 20 percent Black and many Blacks, who work for the national government, reside in the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County.

Grogan said the hiring freeze or any negative employment action will impact Blacks more than Whites.

“With the new administration in place, I guess efforts to hinder Black advancement will intensify,” he said. “This will particularly be the case if Jeff Sessions becomes the attorney general as he has shown little interest in the rights of Black federal workers.”

D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) blasted the hiring

“As a Black employee, you are held to a different standard than Whites are and there is no room for error.”

– David Grogan freeze, saying Jan. 23 on Twitter: “preparing to fight for fed workers after double attack-hiring freeze & rule allowing [managers] to target fed employees’ salaries without due process.”

David Cox, president of American Federation of Government Employees located in Northwest D.C., also denounced the hiring freeze. “President Trump’s action will

disrupt government programs and services that benefit everyone and actually increase taxpayer costs by forcing agencies to hire more expensive contractors to do work that civilian government employees are already doing for far less,” Cox said.

Grogan, who is an active member of the National Organization of Blacks in Law Enforcement Executives, as well as a lifetime member of the NAACP, has been a speaker at conferences on whistleblowing and fighting discrimination. His advice for Black federal employees: “watch your back.”

“Black employees need to understand their environment,” he said. “As a Black employee, you are held to a different standard than Whites are and there is no room for error. While your White colleagues are friendly to you, Black employees must understand that White privilege doesn’t extend to you.”

Grogan said that Black employees must “record and document everything on the job so if there is an investigation of your work, the record is clear.”

Restaurant Continued from D1

fried and baked chicken, collard greens, pigs’ feet, pork and beef ribs. The Grill’s food and service throughout the years has attracted luminaries such as Lena Horne, Denzel Washington, Ludacris, U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, almost every District mayor and D.C. Council members, and civil rights leaders. In the restaurant, there is a historical marker among one of the tables that notes that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., planned the 1963 March on Washington from there.

It is not unusual to go to the Grill and see Howard University students sitting next to judges and politicians.

The Wilson family sold the Grill in 2005 to Hutchins and he has managed to keep the restaurant’s “down-home atmosphere.” Jason J. Clark –Mark Ranslem is a District resident that has visited the Grill a number of times since he started school at Howard University.

“It was right around the corner from me while I was at Howard,” Clark told the AFRO. “It reminds me so much of home cooking, being that I am from New Jersey. It was important to me that I got some home cooking every once in a while.”

Ken Fealing is a writer and activist in the District and said the Grill’s dilemma is what is happening to Black businesses around the city, in that they are disappearing.

“I would really hate to see the Grill go under,” Fealing told the AFRO. “However, this is unfortunately the Black business landscape in the city. You have Ben’s Chili Bowl, Horace & Dickies, Georgena’s and one or two others but there are few Black-owned restaurants in this

“I love the Grill and as the oldest continually operating Black-owned restaurant in the country, it is a pillar of the D.C. community.”

town compared to restaurants owned by other races.”

Fealing said the Grill’s situation should serve as a wake-up call for District residents and leaders.

“We need some effort to support Black businesses and Black entrepreneurship in the city,” he said.

March

Continued from D1 newcomer to march planning.

“I planned the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and other marches and demonstrations, so I have experience working with agencies around these types of efforts,” Ingram said.

“This planning took place in two months, happened a day before inauguration and had 4 national holidays that happened during the planning process.”

According to Rev. Dr. Barbara Williams Skinner, president of the Skinner Photo by Global Social Media News Leadership Institute, a local Cora Masters Barry spoke to the thousands of women non-profit leadership training who went to the Women’s March on Washington Jan. 21. organization, the march was just the beginning of a new progressive movement.

“The real America stood up city after city,” Skinner said. “As a woman of faith it was amazing to see all of the women standing for women’s rights and Human rights.”

But Barry, founder of the D.C. Southeast Tennis Center, said she is fighting the fight for every day workers to instill values in the lives of young – Cora Masters Barry people.

“We are instilling values into young people, socially, culturally and ethically,” Barry said. “These issues affect us all and we have to reinforce these lessons and emphasize the importance of voting.”

“You can’t do a lot with one finger but with a clinched fist you can strike a mighty blow.”

Jazz Lewis Continued from D1

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24 delegation because I am good with relationships.”

Lewis, 26, is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and has worked on Hoyer’s campaign organization for several years.

The selection of Lewis took place at the headquarters of the Sheet Metal Workers Union in Suitland, Md. That venue serves as the meeting place for the committee.

The room was packed with committee members and onlookers. Among the people that submitted their candidacies to replace Vaughn were Maurice Simpson Jr., president of the Prince George’s County Young Democrats; Capitol Heights Mayor Marnitta L. King, former State Senate candidate Bobby Henry and noted political activist Phillip Raines. Simpson received 11 votes from the committee, with Prince George’s County NAACP President Bob Ross and Glenarden, Md., City Council member Jennifer Jenkins, testifying on his behalf.

Lewis will work alongside Maryland Sen. Joanne Benson (D-District 24) and Maryland Delegates Carolyn J. B. Howard and Erek Barron, both Democrats. Lewis had the solid support of Benson and she spoke in his favor at the hearing.

“This young man knows how to work within a team,” Benson told the committee.

“He is a good Christian man, he’s married and is a member of the First Baptist Church of

Glenarden and he will be a great addition to our delegation.”

On Jan. 11, Vaughn resigned unexpectedly from the House. His resignation came at the same time as the recent federal investigation over corruption involving liquor store owners seeking to illegally gain favors from elected officials in the county. Vaughn has been neither named nor charged in the ongoing investigation.

Simpson has already declared his candidacy for delegate in 2018 and Seat Pleasant businesswoman LaTasha Ward told the AFRO that she will run for one of the three positions. Before Vaughn’s departure, Lewis made it clear that he would run for delegate in 2018, also.

Barron will run for Prince George’s County State’s Attorney in 2018, thereby vacating his delegate position. Howard declared last year that she will retire from politics and not run for re-election in 2018.

Lewis said that he will have a lot of catching up to do when he officially is appointed the delegate by Hogan but is up to the challenge of learning while the General Assembly is in session.

“I will work with the Prince George’s delegation to see that we get the funding for the regional hospital in Largo and work to get dedicated funding for Maryland for the Metro system,” he said.

January 28, 2017 - February 3, 2017, The Afro-American

WASHINGTON AREA

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Dumfries, Va.

Potomac Middle School, 3130 Panther Pride Drive Deltas and Alphas Present ‘Project Outreach’ The Prince William County (VA) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has partnered with the Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity of Prince William County to present Project Outreach on Jan. 28 at Potomac Middle School, 3130 Panther Pride Drive. “Project Outreach” is a free conference for middle and high school males and females. The conference is a safe environment designed to provide education, motivation, and skill-building on issues of responsibility, HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and prevention, abstinence/virginity, intimate violence in relationships, and dangers of the Internet and social media. Young adults will receive information and problem-solving skills and share their own experiences.

High school males and females students will share the same setting. However, middle school students will be in a gender specific setting. Conference instruction and discussion will be led by trained professionals of Planned Parenthood. The goals of “Project Outreach” are to: (1) Share knowledge by combating ignorance and fear with factual information; (2) Change attitudes by providing motivation toward positive changes in sexual behavior; and (3) Provide skills by creating a sense of empowerment and self-esteem.

Washington, D.C.

1809 14th St. Femme Fatale Current Boutique Launch Party

Femme Fatale, Current Boutique Launch Party D.C. and Current Boutique (CB) are throwing Best of D.C. Launch Party on Jan. 27th from 7-9:30pm at 1809 14th St. The event will celebrate and mark CB’s entry into City Paper’s Best of DC awards competition. The event is only open to ladies who are 21 years old or older. This free, after-hours occasion will include free champagne, special discounts with consignment, and a styling competition (which the audience participates in) presented b y Femme Fatale DC, highlighting seven local female stylists. RSVP at bestofdclaunch. eventbrite.com.

D3

Murdered Continued from D1

forward with information about the killing. He said the slaying happened in broad daylight and there were several people on the scene.

Officials released video surveillance of the violent incident on Jan. 18. The video shows Marrow riding her wheelchair along the front of her apartment complex when two men ran around the corner. The shooter appears to be chasing after the male victim. Shots are fired and Marrow is caught in the chaos.

Margarita A. Mikhaylova, a spokesperson for the department, told the AFRO Jan. 23 that the investigation is ongoing and police are still looking for information regarding the homicide.

Marrow’s family created a Go Fund Me request. As of Jan. 24, $3,523 had been raised to assist with funeral expenses.

“She was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, an auntie, and family to all that knew her. She was loved by many and truly touched the lives of every person she met,” the page read.

Amari Marrow, daughter of the deceased, said the shooting was a very sad day for her family and the community will miss her. “My mom was a very giving person and loved all the kids and [people] in her community,” she wrote on the Go Fund Me page.

Renee Green described the love she and her family have

received from associates since the death of her sister. Green wrote about a Bible Study service she attended last week where people hugged her and gave their condolences. “I wasn’t expecting anything from anyone but many of my friends [and] associates have come forth with a kind heart and I’m so overwhelmed in their giving, and kind words,” Green said.

INVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF

Homicide Count 2017 Total

5

Past Seven Days

2

Data as of Jan. 25

EMAIL: CUSTOMERSERVICE@AFRO.COM

TO REGISTER TO WIN TICKETS!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Supplies are limited. One pass per winner. Each pass admits two. Seating is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Employees of all promotional partners and The Afro American are not eligible. All decisions are final.

IN THEATERS VALENTINE’S DAY

Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network held the “We Shall Not be Moved” March on Washington Jan. 14 on the national mall. The cold rainy day brought thousands of Blacks in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and in protest of the new presidential administration.

Rev. Al Sharpton

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser

Joe Madison “Black Eagle”

Michael Eric Dyson Eric Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr

NAACP President Cornell William Brooks

Photos by Rob Roberts

D4

The Afro-American, January 28, 2017 - February 3, 2017

Competition finalist with Muriel Garr, Sun Trust Bank and Lorraine Jackson(both center), chapter president

Middle School finalist, Chelsea Campbell

Sheila Bryant and Lorraine Jackson with the high school winner, Norman Jones, III (center)

Deltas MLK Youth Oratorical Contest The Prince Williams County (Va.) Alumnae Chapter of the Deltas held its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest on Jan. 16 at the Cecil D. Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge, Va. The theme of the event was “What the World Needs Now.�

Muriel Garr, Sun Trust Bank; Vicky Free, BET; Rev. Dr. Charlene Monk and Lorraine Jackson

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity with their youth mentees

Rep. Gerald Connolly(D-Va).

Karis Felton, Miss DC Teen USA and Hamayel Safi

MLK Oratorical high school finalists Hamayel Safi, Norman Jones, III and Gladys Gonzalez

Welcome Remarks from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D)

Diane Raulston, Lillie Jessie, John D. Jenkins and Earnestine Jenkins

Delta Prince Williams County Alumnae Chapter

Rev. Al Sharpton presents Chairperson & Founder of Radio One, Cathy Hughes, the Lifetime Service of Excellence in Business & Communications award

Midred Loving Community Activism Award Honoree Yasmine Arrington (Middle) with Raindog Films Producer Sarah Green and Associate Producer Oge Egbuonu

Middle School finalists: Jennine Faruque, Abdullah Usufzai (middle school winner) and Chelsea Campbell

MLK Community Choir

Photos by Robert Roberts

Symone Sanders, former national press secretary for presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and Nate Miles, VP Strategic Initiatives, Ely Lilly and chair, NAN Corporate Council

Alfred Liggins, CEO, president and treasurer of Radio One; Mario Middleton, dean of Diversity, University of Phoenix and Byron Jones, executive vice president and CFO, University of Phoenix

MLK Merit Awardee Va. Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D)

The National Action Network held its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast to pay homage to the Civil Rights hero on Jan. 16 at the Marriott Mayflower Hotel in Northwest D.C.

Breaking Barriers awardee Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) Rev. Al Sharpton and Jeffrey David Cox Sr., national president, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) presents the Labor Leader of the Year Award to AFGE National Vice President Dorothy James.

Economic Justice Award Honoree Janice Bryant Howroyd

David Thomas, Fran Shelton, Ida and Bob Polite, Antoine and Merle Thompson

Caira Telesford, Kristyn Page, Asha Rivers and Candy Sandy

Beverly Ezeokoli, Darryl Bryant Jr., Darryl Bryant Sr. and Guam Bryant

Lifetime Service of Excellence in the Arts Award Honoree Debbie Allen

Photos by Mark Mahoney